Our elected officials heard from residents yesterday (Tuesday) regarding transforming two semi-detached houses on Ashton Drive into the location for an Addiction Supportive Housing program.
While everyone who spoke seemed in favour of this program in general, there were concerns about the location as it sets in the middle of a residential area.
Some of the other concern were around this being the start of future projects like this entering the neighbourhood and it’s proximity to the school.
Staff, for their part, said this location will house six to eight people who have already completed the 21-day residential addiction treatment program at Holmes House, as another stepping stone on their road to recovery.
While there was concerns, there were also people there in full support – individuals who have gone through the program or are currently involved and can talk about the success first hand.
Norfolk’s General Manager of Health and Social Services, Sarah Page, also spoke up about concerns regarding people recovering from addictions being in this neighbourhood – noting there are people right now battling addiction in our communities in different types of neighbourhoods.
This was a planning meeting, so a follow-up report will return to council at a later date regarding the proposed zoning bylaw change.
Written by Matt LeBlanc